Throughout my childhood I was always told that I could be anything I dreamed when I grew up by my parents, my teachers, and other role models. I never truly knew what that would mean to me until a much later time in my life. Now as a college senior, I have realized that I really have embraced this notion.

Being in a male-dominated major and field was not something I had always dreamed of or thought about. Even though my parents have told me many times over I could be anything, society still swayed me towards jobs such as a ballerina, mother, and teacher. Yes, all of these are notably honorable career choices, but they were not for me.

I recall our career day in the eighth grade in which local practitioners came in to discuss their careers. I wanted so badly to see the police officer's presentation. I didn't go to the presentation. I went to another option my friend was interested in. I regret that to this day I let the sign-up list full of male names on it deter me from learning about a career path I have come to love.

Finally, in my senior year of high school, when I was trying to declare a major at college, I stopped caring what other people might think. I declared my major in criminal justice and have not changed my major once. It goes to show you that maybe following your instinct and heart could lead you to your true calling. I cannot wait to start my career, and hope that other people too can read this and be empowered by their own decisions.

This article is not to throw any career choice under the bus, but rather show young people who have an interest and dream that sometimes you need to take things into your own hands. Yes, you may have been told multiple times by your parents that you can be anything you want, and this is the truth, but I urge you to explore your options. To find something you love without the fear that your gender, or any other characteristic, may make you unsuitable for a career path.

You can be whatever you dream to be, so dream big and make a difference.